Jackson funeral 'cost close to $1m'

The King Of Pop was interred during a ceremony at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in September, which was attended by the late singer's family and 200 invited guests.

E! obtained court documents that show that the funeral home was owed $855,730 (£517,095) for the service and the Glendale, Ca-based facility charged $590,000 (£356,613) for his Holy Terracce sarcophagus and $25,000 (£15,106) for his casket.

Also mentioned in the legal papers were invoices for post-ceremony reception items, which included $16,000 (£9,666) for flowers, $30,000 (£18,131) on vehicles and security, plus a $21,455 (£12,964) restaurant tab at eatery Villa Sorriso.

Jackson's estate petitioned in court to have the cost of the funeral be covered by the release of immediate funds from the 'Thriller' artist's fortune in September.

In July, the mayor of Los Angeles stated that the city would pay for the public memorial service.